Kin’s grief, doubts linger over DH’s death fall

By Vir B. Lumicao 

Ruby Ann Diola, Jessie and their only son.

Nearly three years after the fatal fall of domestic worker Ruby Ann Diola from a residential tower in Mid-Levels, life has not yet returned to normal for her pained  husband and son as questions surrounding her death linger.

“Mahirap pala ang mag-move on. Kapag naaalala ko si Ruby Ann ay hindi ko mapigilang umiyak,” said Virginio “Jessie” Jose, the 63-year-old common-law husband of the deceased helper.

Jose, or Mang Jessie, as he is called by friends and relatives, met over lunch with this writer three weeks ago in a seafood restaurant in Lingayen City, Pangasinan where he and his son live.

“Maski ang anak namin, sinasabi sa akin na nami-miss daw niya ang nanay niya,” the widower told the SUN.

When we met, Jose said he still operated the mineral water station where Diola, a young Leyteña who strayed into Lingayen to look for a job, worked as a sales staff until they fell for each other and lived together. She bore her a son, Vivejo, now 9 years old and in Grade 5.

The water business had weakened due to competition and Jose’s lack of time to manage it as he drove his son to school and back on his tricycle bought with Diola’s death benefit from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

But in a text message he sent on July 11, Jose said he had finally shut the water business and was now relying on income from driving passengers on his tricycle.

Since Ruby Ann’s death on Oct 23, 2014, questions regarding her untimely demise have been haunting Jose.

“Natanggap ko na ang report ng pulisya pero marami akong tanong na hindi nila nasagot,” Jose said.

His questions include why, despite the numerous CCTV cameras installed inside the house of Ruby Ann’s employer on Robinson Road, police have not mentioned in their report any CCTV footage they might have recovered from the flat.

Another lingering question, Jose said, was why the Tagalog SMS message he received that broke the news about Ruby Ann’s death fall on that fateful morning was sent to him using his wife’s mobile phone.        

Shortly after his wife’s death, Jose submitted a sworn statement to the Hong Kong police recounting his phone conversations with her regarding her employment situation.

The statement detailed how the helper, then 26, was taken to Beijing by her employer, Cheung Yeuk Lee, shortly after her arrival in Hong Kong in July 2014 and made to work in the latter’s house for about a month without a contract.

It also related how she was taken afterwards to Macau by the employer’s grown-up son to stay for two months in the enclave while waiting for her Hong Kong work visa. She finally got it in September 2014.

On Dec 8, the District Court will begin hearing a claim for employee’s compensation and burial benefits filed by the Mission for Migrant Workers on behalf of Jose and his son against Ruby Ann’s employer.

Judge Katina Levy was to have begun hearing the case on June 2, but she adjourned the hearing as Diola’s next of kin and the respondent were absent.

Only Edwina Antonio of the Mission was in court to represent the claimants, but the judge said she did not have the capacity to represent them.

Antonio said the case has dragged on also because the police have yet to issue the results of their investigation into Ruby Ann’s death.

The Mission is now applying for legal aid on behalf of Jose for the Dec 8 hearing in District Court.

During the meeting in Lingayen, Jose handed this writer a set of documents, mostly Diola’s remittance receipts and bank statements that the Mission needs to support the application for legal aid for the claimants.

Jose will, however, also need the help of Good Samaritans to help bring him back to Hong Kong for the hearing.

Cayetano promises ‘faster, cheaper’ 10-year passports for overseas Pinoy workers

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano addresses the Filipino community at the Consulate.

By Vir B. Lumicao

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has promised overseas Filipino workers he would try to get the best deal so the new, 10-year passport could be delivered to them “faster but cheaper”.

He also said the Duterte government is talking to several countries in its bid to find new markets for OFWs so they can have a wider choice of opportunities other than domestic work.

Cayetano spoke before about 250 leaders and members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong on July 2, when he stopped over after a visit to Beijing.

The foreign secretary tried to dispel concerns among workers that the new passport will cost double the current fee of $480.

The new price was quoted in an interview in Manila earlier by a spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who justified the higher price by saying the new passport will be of better quality and will have double the number of pages.

During an earlier dialogue with militant leaders in Hong Kong, Cayetano reportedly belied this report, saying the new passport will only cost more if the applicant asks for the one with more pages.

Eman Villanueva of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body said his group asked if the passports issued abroad could be priced the same as those in the Philippines, where each costs only Php980 ($150 at current exchange rate).

Cayetano reportedly promised to look into why the passport costs so much higher abroad, and if there is a way to make it lower. However, he did not make any firm promises on how much the new passport would cost.

At the forum, Cayetano said a smart chip will be embedded in the passport cover containing the details of its holder, so one need not go through the tedious application process again when applying for a renewal. However, this does not apply for those who are below 18 years old, who will still be issued passports valid for five years.

Cayetano delivered to the Consulate two additional data-capture machines that he said would speed up the processing of passport applications. The passport section previously had four data-capture machines that could process only 220 applicants on Sunday, the busiest day of the week. With six, it can now process 330 applicants.

The bill providing for the new 10-year passport has already been passed by both houses of Congress, and is now waiting to be signed into law by the President. But before the new passports could be issued, the implementing rules and regulations for implementing the new law will have to be crafted and published first.

The official also said the Department of Foreign Affairs is going to address the problem  of offloading of relatives of Hong Kong OFWs by holding a dialogue with relevant  government agencies including the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration  and monitoring offloading incidents on a weekly and monthly basis to know how many  were being offloaded and whether the ejections are justified or not.

Cayetano reiterated President Duterte’s goal of securing peace and stability by eliminating drugs, terrorism, conflicts, criminality and corruption, and direct threat in order to speed up economic development, which would generate more jobs quality jobs  in the country so that Filipinos need not leave their families behind to work abroad.        

“The more that we help (Duterte), the more we support him, the more that we have peace, stability and development in our country, the faster that every Filipino will have a quality job in our country,” Cayetano said.

He said he was under instructions from the President to give priority to the welfare, rights, comfort and convenience of OFWs.

In the open forum, community leaders raised other issues including the abolition of the  overseas employment certificate, pressing the Hong Kong government to bring its labor standards for foreign domestic workers up to par with those for local workers, and  opening new labor markets for OFWs.

Cayetano cited Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s promise to introduce the iDOLE  multipurpose OFW ID card soon to replace the OEC. As for labor standards, he said OFWs should not expect too much from their host countries, saying each place has its  own set of standards.

He said that by opening new labor markets, the government wants OFWs to move up the  value chain by upgrading their skills and finding suitable markets for them so they do not  get stuck in Hong Kong, where they can only work as domestic helpers.

Consul General Bernardita Catalla said the Consulate was quietly pressing Hong Kong, through the Technical Working Group, on the welfare of workers.

One accomplishment she credits to the Consulate was the introduction into the standard work contract of a ban on the cleaning of window exteriors by helpers. She also cited the HKSAR’s recent move to crack down on rogue job agencies by penalizing them with jail terms and hefty fines.

The workers also aired complaints against the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration  for its alleged selective scholarship, member hospitalization issues, and missing membership certificates, all of which OWWA welfare officer Judith Santos addressed.

One Filcom leader proposed more government-run shelters for terminated OFWs, and  Cayetano said that issue could be addressed when budget allocations were discussed with the Department of Budget Management.

Labour Tribunal rules China work of DH is ‘legal’

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic helper lost a claim for damages against her former employer after the Labour Tribunal rejected her accusation that the female boss breached Hong Kong Immigration rules by making her work illegally on the mainland.

Presiding Officer Jacqueline Lee also dismissed Gladys Chua’s allegation that she was punched, cursed and treated badly by her employer Cheung Lai Ling, saying if this were the case, she should have escaped as she had many opportunities to do so.

Lee said what happened to the maid on the mainland was outside her jurisdiction.

“Item 5 of the General Remarks of the Immigration rules states that conditions for foreign domestic helpers apply only while the FDH is in Hong Kong,” Lee said, reading an excerpt from Item 5 the Immigration’s General Remarks website.

“It’s not illegal for Ms Cheung to bring Ms Chua to the mainland if there was mutual consent between the employer and the maid. There was no evidence that Ms Chua was taken to the mainland without her consent, so no breach of Immigration rules,” Lee said.

Chua ended up paying Cheung $4,644.02 for the Shenzhen company director’s costs in the three-day trial hearing, originally calendared for four days.

Lee ordered the Filipina to pay $6,067.80, or 60% of Cheung’s more than $9,000 in costs.

But the presiding officer told Cheung to pay back $1,797.75 deducted from Chua’s final pay by employment agent Alice Tang for the maid’s plane ticket to Bacolod that Tang had booked, as well as her $100 travel allowance.

Lee rejected Chua’s claim for arrears in wages from Dec 1 to 16 last year based on an agreement she signed with Cheung on Nov 20 moving back her last day of service to Dec 16, after the employer allegedly told her to leave on Nov 30.

The presiding officer dismissed the two parties’ Nov 20 agreement, citing an Immigration rule that supplementary agreements reached by the employer and her employee outside their employment contract are void.

Instead, Lee accepted a one month’s notice of resignation that Chua signed on Nov 16, 2016 and told her to pay Cheung for not finishing the Dec 1-16 part of her notice period.

The Filipina went to the tribunal claiming payment for the remaining 22 months of her two-year contract, insisting that she was unduly terminated by the employer and forced to sign the resignation notice. She was also claiming $900 in costs including MTR fare.

But confusion and inconsistencies in her statement and her mother Donna Mae’s evidence in court led Lee to reject their evidence, calling them “unreliable witnesses”.

In contrast, Lee accepted the evidence given by Cheung and her witnesses – her mainlander friend Mr Tang and driver Mr Lam.

The tribunal heard that Chua was placed with Cheung by Tang, owner of the now defunct Blessings Employment Agency, in July 2016, but she went back to the Philippines to wait for her work visa. She began working for Cheung on Oct 24 and was taken to Shenzhen on a tourist visa by her employer on Oct 29.

During her stay in Shenzhen she said she was made to work in Cheung’s house and then was made to work as cleaner in her office until the evening. Aside from the long work hours, she said she was given food that had been in the refrigerator for two weeks.

On Nov 14, Cheung allegedly punched Chua in the upper arm for a mistake in her work. The next day she was made to work the whole day without rest and food until she fell ill in the evening. The next morning she was told to pack up her things and was driven to the border bus terminal where she took a ride back to Hong Kong.

She stayed with her mother for four days in Tsing Yi and after a Nov 20 meeting with Cheung and Tang, the maid moved back to the employer’s flat in Hong Kong to finish her service until Dec 16.

But at 3am on Nov 30 Chua left Cheung’s house after Tang arrived at midnight to let her sign the agreement saying she was being released that day. Tang also booked her an air ticket to Bacolod.

VP Robredo launches OFW project in HK

VP Robredo with supporters at HK Airport

Vice President Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo made a quick weekend trip to Hong Kong to launch a new project that focuses on the positive achievements of ordinary people, including overseas Filipino workers.
VP Robredo said her "Istorya ng Pag-Asa" project promotes the use of social media as a tool to bring hope and inspiration to many.

The VP checked-in herself

"We want to feature inspirational stories of ordinary people who have gone through a lot of struggles and triumphed in the end," she said.
The VP was speaking to a group of supporters at Hong Kong airport, shortly before boarding the Cebu Pacific flight that took her home to Manila yesterday, July 16.
She was accompanied on her visit by middle daughter Tricia and an office staff. 

VP at Victoria Park with OFWs

Unlike other government officials who come to visit, she checked in for the flight herself, and was not accompanied by any protocol officer from the Consulate.
"Private visit naman ito," she said.
Earlier that day, she spent a few hours at Victoria Park with a few OFWs who shared their life stories with her. 
Her short visit merited the usual flak on social media from her detractors, but VP Robredo merely shrugged them off, saying, ""If the other camp hurls invectives and negativity, we must do the opposite,"
She said she was not worried about the upcoming court challenge filed by former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, who lost to her in last year's vice presidential election.
"Bongbong knows he doesn't have anything. Wala siya talagang basis sa kanyang kaso," she said. "Kasi yung mga witnesses niya  e witnesses din namin, at hindi daw nila alam kung bakit inilagay ang mga pangalan nila doon."
Still, she said one cannot be too complacent with everything that's been happening in the country.
"Ipagdasal pa rin natin," she said.

Saulian ng ambag sa mga naipundar

Mahigit limang taon nang magkarelasyon sina Pip at Posy at naging parang tunay silang mag-asawa kaya maging sa usaping pinansiyal at nagtutulungan silang dalawa. Sa gitnang silangan sila nagkakilala at nagkaibigan, ngunit nag-isip na lumipat sa Hong Kong sa pag-asang mas gaganda ang kanilang kinabukasan balang araw.

Pagdating nila sa Hong Kong ay bumili sila agad ng mga ari-arian sa kanilang lugar, at nagkasundo na paghahatian ang pagbabayad dito. Pareho silang mahilig sa sports kaya doon nila ginugugol ang kanilang oras tuwing araw ng pahinga.

Ngunit nangyari ang hindi inaasahan nang magsimulang magselos si Posy kay Pip. Dahil sa madalas nilang pag-aaway dahil dito ay lumamig ang kanilang pagsasama at tuluyan na silang naghiwalay.

Noon naisip ni Posy na singilin ang perang naiambag niya sa pagbili ng kanilang ari-arian, at pati na rin ang naiambag niyang tulong sa pamilya ni Pip.

Ayon naman kay Pip, handa naman siyang ibalik ang perang sinisingil ng dating sinisinta, ngunit hindi biglaan dahil medyo malaki din daw ang kabuuan ng halagang binabawi.

Ang dalawa ay parehong mula sa Mindanao at kasalukuyang naninilbihan bilang kasambahay sa kani- kanilang mga among Intsik  sa New Territories. – Marites Palma

Napaglipasan ng panahon, pero sige pa rin

Noong dumating si Ate Jenny sa Hong Kong ay 28 taong gulang pa lang siya, ngayon ay 63 na siya, at 34 taon nang naninilbihan sa iisang amo. Sa nagdaang mga taon ay ilang mga pamangkin niya ang napag-aral na niya.

Ang una ay isa nang nurse sa Britain, ang pangalawa ay public relations officer sa Canada, ang pangatlo ay computer engineer, ang pang-apat ay nagtapos ng IT at nagtuturo na sa isang computer school, at ang pinakahuli ay isang researcher sa PhilRice, na mas pinili ang ganitong gawain kaysa magpatuloy bilang seaman.

Tuwing nakikita ni Ate Jenny ang mga larawan ng mga pamangkin na matagumpay na ay naiiyak siya sa tuwa, bagamat naaalala din niya ang ginawa niyang pagtalikod sa kanyang lovelife para lang mapag-aral sila.

Pauwi na sana siya sa darating na buwan, ngunit nagdalawang-isip nang himukin ng amo na pumirma ng isa pang kontrata kapalit ng $25k. Marami na kasing na-interview ang kanyang amo bilang kapalit niya sana ngunit wala daw pumasa sa standards nila.

Pumayag na rin si Ate Jenny bagamat naipadala na niya ang kanyang mga gamit at natanggap na rin niya ang malaking bahagi ng kanyang long service. Naisip niya kasi na malaking karagdagan din ang ibinibigay ng amo sa kanyang ipon para sa kanyang pag-uwi. Bagamat marami na siyang pamangkin na napag-aral ay ayaw niyang siya naman ang umasa sa kanila sa kanyang pag-uwi. Si Ate Jenny ay mula sa Ilocos Norte. – Marites Palma

PCG warns anew vs Russian jobs as 20 deported

By Vir B. Lumicao

Filipino workers in Hong Kong are again being warned against grabbing offers by illegal recruiters to place them for jobs in Russia.

The latest warning was issued by the Consulate on July 5, a week after the Philippine embassy in Moscow repatriated 20 OFWs who ended up as illegal migrants after their initial tourist or commercial visa there expired.

“We would like to remind the public … there is no visa category in Russia for (domestic workers); holders of tourist or commercial visa are not allowed to work (there), and improperly documented workers are subject to detention, fines and deportation,” the advisory said.

The Consulate urged the public to report illegal recruiters and illegal recruitment in Hong Kong through its email: hongkong.pcg@dfa.gov.ph or at telephone number 9155 4023.

A similar warning was issued by the Consulate at least twice in recent years, but the illegal recruitment of Filipino workers to Russia appears to have continued.

On June 28, the embassy in Moscow facilitated the repatriation of what it described as “the highest monthly figure so far” of OFWs deported by Russia.

The embassy said in a press release that the OFWs were forced to return home rather than stay in Russia illegally and risk arrest and heavy penalties.

Embassy officials helped the OFWs undergo deportation proceedings to obtain expulsion orders that
served as their exit visas.

Of the 20 repatriates, two had been arrested by police while the rest sought help from the embassy. They were given shelter and food by the embassy’s assistance to nationals section while their papers were being processed.

 “We understand that no OFW wants to go home abruptly, especially through deportation. The fact that our nationals came to the Embassy for assistance in this regard means that they were really left with no choice,” said Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta.

The embassy estimates that there are between 5,000 and 10,000 Filipinos in Russia, the majority of whom are women who work as nannies and cleaners.

There is currently no work visa category for domestic workers in Russia and Filipinos. Those who go there for work obtain their visas through illegal recruiters who pay large fees to so-called “visa agencies” that misrepresent them as highly qualified professionals in managerial positions. Others go there as students or tourists.

Such arrangements have made the OFWs vulnerable to arrests, detention and fines, the embassy said.

It added that many Russia-based Filipinos are no longer able to obtain such work visas.

“We observed that the recruitment of Filipinos by unauthorized entities – especially from Hong Kong and other third countries – led to a situation where the number of work visas available for Filipinos, even the ones that misrepresent their actual work and employers, is no longer enough,” said Vice Consul Jeffrey A. Valdez.

He said working with visas sourced from the visa agencies is against Russian and Philippine laws.

“What makes things worse is that Filipinos are being recruited using tourist, commercial (business) and even student visas that do not allow a foreign national to work in Russia,” Ambassador Soretta said.

Soretta said while there is a demand for Filipino helpers, “we need to find a long-term solution that clearly defines their legal status for their own protection. The continuous entry of Filipinos in violation of immigration rules makes that task even more challenging.”

On May 28, Sorreta and Valdez met and held a dialogue with around 100 Filipino victims of a Russian visa agent who vanished with their money and passports, to discuss the options available to them under Philippine and Russian laws.

Russian authorities subsequently raided the office of the visa agent and has since detained several Filipinos, the embassy said. The other victims sought refuge in the embassy.

The embassy has recovered some of the passports and formally requested the Russian authorities to turn over any passports they still held.

Pinay wins ‘suitable accommodation’ test case

By Daisy CL Mandap

Mariel Tadalan wins Labor case against
employer who made her sleep in the kitchen,
fed leftovers and made her sleep only 4 hours each night.

A Filipina has won the right to be paid a month’s salary in lieu of notice despite walking out on her employers. That’s because they made her sleep in the worst possible places – including their terrace on a wintry night – fed her leftovers, and gave her only four hours’ rest each day.

Mariel P. Tadalan, 35, was awarded $5,568 at the end of a four-hour negotiation with her employer before an officer of the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board on July 7. The amount represented Tadalan’s claim for one month’s salary in lieu of notice, return air ticket and food allowance.

It was the second meeting between her and her employer, who at first denied any liability, saying it was the Filipina who walked out on her job on Apr. 4.

But the officer dismissed this argument, saying that Tadalan could have left without notice from the time the employer and his wife made the maid sleep in their terrace shortly after arriving to work for them early this year.

Tadalan had confessed to not knowing about this so-called “constructive termination” clause in the employment ordinance that would have allowed her to leave her job without serving a month’s notice on her employer.

She didn’t know that once her employer failed to give her “suitable accommodation” or did other acts that violated the terms of their contract, she could walk out the door and still be entitled to a month’s pay. She said everyone she had spoken with told her she needed to pay her employer the equivalent of her salary for a month if she broke their contract.

That is, until she decided to leave her job and sought help from the Mission for Migrant Workers.

What also helped Tadalan win her case was her prodigious work at documenting the abuse she suffered during the two months that she worked for her employers. She took pictures of the cramped spaces where she was made to sleep, the shards from the cup and plate thrown at her by her female employer, and the mushy slop she was fed.

There was also a picture of her bandaged forehead, taken after she fainted from lack of sleep and overwork, and hit her head on a faucet, resulting in a wound that required four stitches. She said it took her employer three hours to decide to take her to the hospital, and only because he was already on his way to work.

Confronted with the photos, her employer accused Tadalan of plotting her escape and setting them up to get compensation, but the MECAB officer brushed the claim aside.

Asked why Tadalan was allowed only four hours of sleep, the employer said it was because the helper did not do her work properly during the day, an excuse that did not impress the officer either.

Tadalan was no stranger to hard work. She spent two years working in Dubai, then moved to Qatar where she managed to stay for nearly five years, with hardly any day off.

She had thought that moving to Hong Kong would allow her more time, freedom and comfort. But she was wrong.

At her employers’ former residence, Tadalan said there was a room intended for her use, but she was told to sleep either in the terrace, or close to the main door in the living room. When her employers moved to their new house in Ma On Shan, Tadalan was given as sleeping space a tiny corner in the kitchen, wedged between a washing machine and the cold tiled wall.

But this alone would not have entitled her to break her contract at will.

According to the High Court in a recent case, a space in the kitchen could be deemed “suitable accommodation” under the terms of a domestic worker’s contract. In a more recent ruling at the Eastern magistracy, even a makeshift structure on the terrace, air-conditioned but no bigger than a doghouse, also qualified as such.

But the Mission is appealing both decisions, determined not to let them set a precedent.

In its study released earlier this year, the Mission found that 3 out of 5 foreign domestic workers are not given their own room, and around 500 could be sleeping in toilets.

Tadalan documented her ordeal through
pictures (left, top and above) she sent to the agency
that placed her with the family.

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre is also doing his part to end the malpractice. He says he and his Indonesian counterpart are working on a plan to make employers and employment agencies disclose the exact place a domestic worker will be made to sleep. The information is then passed on to the worker, who will have the option of backing out or continuing with the employment.

It will not be the first time such a move is taken by governments that deploy domestic workers to Hong Kong. According to the Mission report, Thailand is already imposing this requirement as part of its efforts to promote the well-being of its workers in the territory.

Pinay admits assaulting 4-year old son of HK business tycoon

Accused will be sentenced on July 21

A 32-year old Filipina domestic worker will be sentenced on July 21 in Eastern Court on five counts of common assault last year on the four-year-old son of disgraced business tycoon Carson Yeung.

According to local newspaper Sing Pao, the accused, Rochelle Lintag Dreck, admitted the assaults when she appeared at Eastern Court on Friday, July 7.

Dreck admitted to assaulting the boy in the kitchen of Yeung’s house on Baker Road in Mid-Levels, at the Convention Plaza Apartments on Harbour Road in Wan Chai, and at Canossa Hospital on Old Peak Road in 2016.

She began working for Yeung in 2010, or six years before the former chairman of the Birmingham Football Club was put back behind bars after losing his appeal against a six-year jail sentence imposed on him in 2014 for money laundering.

The boy’s mother, who has a business in Shenzhen, returned to Hong Kong every weekend, leaving her son in the care of helpers.

In early 2016, she reportedly noticed wounds on the boy but did not ask what caused them. In May the same year, she again saw injuries on her son’s ears and asked her domestic workers about them. One of the helpers then showed Mrs Yeung some videos she had taken of Dreck’s attacks on the boy. The mother called the police.

In the videos, Dreck was seen slapping the boy, hitting his hands with a comb, and poking his lip and nose, causing his nose to bleed.

When asked about the assaults, Dreck reportedly asked the magistrate for leniency, blaming the boy for being very naughty. She also said she had lost her job after she was arrested and could no longer send money to support her own three children in the Philippines.

The  magistrate dismissed Dreck’s explanations as mere excuses. The Filipina was remanded in custody pending sentencing. – reports from Sing Pao and Apple Daily

DH jailed 2 weeks for stealing from boss’ bank account

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina maid was jailed for two weeks on July 4 after admitting in Eastern Court that she used her employer’s ATM card which was lent to her to buy groceries, to withdraw a total of $2,000 cash for her own use.

Chita Rovero, 48, sniffled as she pleaded guilty to each of five counts of theft filed against her.

Magistrate Bina Chainrai rejected an application from the prosecution to order Rovero to compensate the victim, Australian lawyer Stuart Alexander Jessup, saying the helper was not financially capable of paying back the stolen money.

The prosecution said the thefts took place each time Rovero, a single mother, went to Market Place at Seymour Place in Mid-Levels to buy grocery for Jessup.  The employer had authorized Rovero, his domestic helper since October 2016, to use his HSBC ATM card to pay for grocery purchases, entrusting her the card’s PIN.  

Between May 16 and May 25 this year, Rovero went to Market Palace five times to buy grocery and, at the same time, withdraw cash from Jessup’s bank account without his knowledge.

She made a total of five cash withdrawals amounting to $500 on May 16, another $500 on May 22, $500 again on May 23, $300 on May 24, and $200 on May 25.

Jessup checked his HSBC account online on May 25 and discovered the grocery purchases at Market Place were noticeably significant. He later saw the discrepancies between the receipts Rovero gave him and the online transaction records.

On June 3, the employer requested Market Place for receipts of purchases made with his ATM card and found five unauthorized cash withdrawal transactions on the same days Rovero went to the shop to buy goods.

Jessup confronted Rovero and she admitted making the withdrawals. The employer dismissed her and she moved out of the house. On June 4, Jessup reported the theft and a day later the helper surrendered at the Central Police Station.

Rovero was arrested and charged with five counts of theft.

After Rovero pleaded guilty to all five charges on July 4, the defense lawyer said in mitigation that the maid committed the offenses “out of need and desperation, instead of greed”. She noted the helper’s father died in March this year and her 18-year-old son needed money to pay for his school examination.

In sentencing, the  magistrate said the thefts from the employer’s ATM account were a serious breach of trust that called for a custodial sentence. She sent Rovero to jail for two weeks, discounted from three for her guilty plea.

2 Pinoy drivers die of heart attack; heat could be trigger

By Vir B. Lumicao

Two Filipino male domestic workers died of suspected heart  attacks within days of each other recently, according to the Consulate.

Their deaths came as soaring temperatures have again led the Labour

Department to advise both employers and employees to adopt measures to prevent heatstroke.

The first death occurred on June 29 when Ronald dela Cruz, an Ilocano driver in his 50s, collapsed in his workplace and was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital.

He was certified dead on arrival at the hospital, an officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section told The SUN.

The ATN officer said Dela Cruz was a long-time domestic helper doing all-around tasks for a Catholic priest in Pokfulam.

De la Cruz’s wife was due to arrive on July 11 to process the documents for his repatriation and benefit claims from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Another driver was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wanchai on the morning of July 2 afterhe collapsed, but he was also certified dead on arrival.

The victim, also an Ilocano whose name the ATN officer could not immediately furnish, was employed by a German as domestic helper with driving duties.

Both deaths had been reported to the Consulate by fellow Filipino workers, the officer said.                                                                                                                                          

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory had issued very hot weather warnings in past weeks as temperatures climbed to 30 degree Celsius before the recent rainy spell.

Both the Observatory and the Labour Department advised that to prevent heat stroke, everyone should avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and stay in shaded areas as much as possible. Those working outdoors should drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol.

“If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away,” the advice said.

Maid faces jail term for slapping baby twice

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic worker was convicted on July 4 in Eastern Court of a charge of ill-treating her 18-month-old ward after admitting that she hit the toddler two times to get her to sleep.

“That’s no excuse for hitting the child,” Magistrate Bina Chainrai’s voice boomed as she rejected the defense lawyer’s remark, in mitigation, that Carmela Sotto slapped the baby as it was acting up in bed at 11:50 pm on June 3 while she still had work to do.

Sotto, 41, was charged with “ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person.”

The maid fought back tears as Chainrai ordered her remanded in custody and set her sentencing on Jul 18 pending a background report.

Sotto, who was hired in January 2016 as a domestic helper of a Hong Kong couple at Queen’s Terrace in Sheung Wan, Central, was doing her house chores when the child’s parents decided to go out for entertainment shortly before 11:50 pm.

The couple left their baby girl in the care of Sotto.

On board the car, the female employer used her mobile phone to check the security camera monitoring the child’s condition and was shocked to see Sotto hitting the baby on the head and body.

The assault was reported to the police and the child was taken to Queen Mary Hospital for a check-up, but no apparent injury was observed, according to the prosecution report.

Sotto was arrested and, during a video-recorded interview, she admitted slapping the baby. She said she intended to tap the child gently to help her get sleep, but ended up slapping her because she was drowsy.

“Assault is a serious offense. The child was entrusted to you and you were in breach of that trust,” Chainrai said as she ordered Sotto remanded in jail.

MMFF balot muli ng alingasngas

Muli na namang nagiging kontrobersyal ang Metro Manila Film Festival sa taong ito. Mukhang hindi napangatawanan ng mga bumubuo ng MMFF ang naging desisyon noong nakaraang taon na itaas ang kalidad ng mga kalahok sa taunang pasinaya kaya puro indie films ang kanilang napiling ipalabas. Hindi kasi gaanong tinangkilik ng mga manonood ang naging pasya nilang ito.

Sa taong ito, bilang pambawi, apat na pelikula ang agad na napiling kalahok, base lang sa kani-kanilang script at marahil, dahil tatampukan ang mga ito ng mga malalaking artista. Ito ang: “The Revengers” (Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla at Pia Wurtzbach, sa direksyon ni Joyce Bernal), “Ang Panday” (Coco Martin, at unang pelikula niya bilang director din, gamit ang tunay na pangalan niyang Rodel Nacianceno), “Love Traps#Family Goals” (Vic Sotto at Dawn Zulueta, sa direksyon ni Tony Reyes), “Almost is Not Enough” (Jennelyn Mercado at Jericho Rosales, sa direksyon ni Dan Villegas).

Ang huling apat na pelikula ang siya lang pipiliin batay sa kanilang kabuuan.

Dahil sa pagbabago sa pamantayan ng pagpili, tatlong miyembro ng 2017 MMFF Executive Committee ang agad na nagsipag-resign, ang kilalang scriptwriter na si Ricky Lee,  manunulat na si Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, at si Prof. Rolando Tolentino.

Ang kanilang joint statement:

“We accepted the invitation to be members of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 Executive Committee because we were excited to maximize the gains of the MMFF 2016.  Last year’s festival showcased a wide variety of quality cinema that went beyond the formulaic. There was a shift of emphasis from commercial viability to artistic excellence. It also celebrated the spirit of a film culture that produced many cult classics in the early years of the MMFF.”

“After several meetings and deliberations, we resigned because the MMFF 2017 ExeCom took a different direction, by putting too much emphasis on commerce over art. Some quarters in the ExeCom insist that only big film studios can produce a blockbuster. We believe that producing a box office hit and creating quality film is not exclusive to big film studios nor to independent film outfits.”

“All excellent Filipino films deserve all forms of support. This support includes movies being screened for the entire duration of the festival with maximum exposure in as many theatres in and outside Metro Manila. We remain steadfast believing in a Metro Manila Film Festival that can once more be a celebration of the finest of Filipino artistry. The Filipino audience deserves no less. “

Nilinaw naman nilang ang kanilang pagbibitiw ay hindi dahil sa apat na pelikulang napili, dahil bago pa daw ipinahayag ang mga ito ay ipinaalam na nila ang kanilang desisyon na umalis sa puwesto.

Noong July 8 ay nag-resign din ang isa pang miyembro, ang UP Film professor na si Ed Lejano.

Noong July 11, ipinahayag ni Tim Orbos, MMFF Executive Committee Chairman ang tatlong bagong miyembro ng ExeCom na sina Maryo J. delos Reyes (multi-awarded director at  executive director -  ToFarm Film Festival), Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung ( Head, QC Film Development Council in charge of QCinema International Film Festival at miyembro ng Selection Committee ng MMFF 2016) at Arnell Ignacio (actor, at assistant vice-president for community relations and services, PAGCOR).


1st PPP FILM FESTIVAL, ITINATAG
Sa gitna ng kontrobersya sa pagpili ng mga kalahok para sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017, tahimik na binuo ng Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pamumuno ni Liza Dino ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Film Festival na itatanghal mula Agosto 16-22.  Labindalawang pelikula ang napiling kalahok at ipapalabas sa 790 sinehan sa buong Pilipinas, kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at Pelikulang Pilipino.

Ang mga kalahok:
1) 100 Tula Para Kay Stella ni Jason Paul Laxamana.
Cast: Bela Padilla at JC Santos.
2) Ang Mananangggal sa Unit 23B ni Prime Cruz, sa panulat ni Jenilee Chuansu.
Cast: Ryza Cenon at Martin del Rosario.
3) AWOL ni Enzo Williams.
Cast: Gerald Anderson at Diane Mediana.
4) Bar Boys ni Kip Oebanda.
Cast: Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda at Kean Cipriano.
5) Birdshot ni Mikhail Red.
Cast: May Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes, John Arcilla at Ku Aquino.
6) Hamog ni Ralston Jover.
Cast: Zaijian Jaranilla, Teri Malvar at Sam Quintana
7) Paglipay ni Zig Dulay.
Cast: Garry Cabalic, Anna Luna, Joan dela Cruz at Marinella Sevidal.
8) Patay na si Hesus ni Victor Villanueva, sa panulat ni Fatrick Tabada.
Cast: Jaclyn Jose.
9) Pauwi Na –sinulat nina Paolo Villaluna at Ellen Ramos, sa direksyon ni Paolo Villaluna.
Cast: Bembol Roco at Cherry Pie Picache.
10) Salvage ni Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Cast: JC de Vera at Jessy Mendiola.
11) Star na si Van Damme Stallone, sa panulat ni Alpha Habon, at direksyon ni Randolph Longjas. Cast: Candy Pangilinan, Paolo Pingol at Jadford Dilanco.
12) Triptiko ni Miguel Franco Michelena.
Cast: Kylie Padilla, Kean Cipriano, Albie Casino, at Joseph Marco.

Ang selection committee ay kinabilangan nina Liza Dino, Ricky Lee, Jose Javier Reyes, Erik Matti, Iza Calzado, Oggs Cruz, Manet Dayrit at Lee Briones.
Igagawad ng FDCP ang Audience Choice awards sa tatlong pelikula na makakakuha ng pinakamataas na boto mula sa manonood sa unang tatlong araw ng pagtatanghal.  

VILMA AT  PAOLO, PANALO SA 1ST EDDYS
Nanalo bilang best actress si Vilma Santos para sa pelikulang “Everything About Her” sa 1st Eddys awards ng Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED) na ginanap sa Kia Theater sa Cubao, Quezon City noong July 9.

Si Paolo Ballesteros ang tinanghal na best actor para sa pelikulang “Die Beautiful”.

Tinanghal na best picture ang “Ang Babaeng Humayo”, at ang director nitong si Lav Diaz ang nanalo  bilang best director.

Best supporting actress si Angel Locsin (“Everything About Her”) at si John Lloyd Cruz bilang best supporting actor (“Ang Babaeng Humayo”).

Hindi nakadalo ang mga nanalo ng acting awards at best director. Si Luis Manzano ang tumanggap ng best actress trophy para sa kanyang ina, na kasalukuyang nasa ibang bansa.

Kabilang sa mga dumalo ang mga nominadong sina Nora Aunor, Rhian Ramos, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Christian Bables. Naroon din sina Christopher de Leon, Bela Padilla, Liza Dino, Aiza Seguerra at Boots Anson Roa. Naging presenters sina Jodi Santamaria, Cristine Reyes, Richard Guttierez, Sarah Lahbati, Bela Padilla, JC Santos, AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Ali Khatibi, Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, ang dating PBB housemates na sina Maymay Entrata at Edward Barber at Kisses Delavin at Marco Gallo.

Kabilang sa mga performers sina James Reid at Nadine Lustre para kanilang song and dance numbers, at sumayaw din sina Yassi Pressman at Arjo Atayde. Sina Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Morisette Amon at Klarisse de Guzman ay umawit bilang tribute sa namayapang composer na si Willie Cruz.

Special awardees sina Lav Diaz (Manny Pichel award), Lily Monteverde (Producer of the Year) at Boy Abunda (Joe Quirino award). Ginawaran din ng posthumous award ang writer na si Jake Tordesillas na yumao noong nakaraang buwan.

Ang mag-amang sina Edu at Luis Manzano ang naging hosts ng awards ceremony.


KASALAN SA SIMBAHAN PARA KAY ALFRED VARGAS
Siyam na taon nang nagsasama ang actor-politician na si Alfred Vargas at asawang si Yasmine Espiritu. Ikinasal sila sa isang civil wedding noong 2010, pero ipinangako raw ni Alfred na magpapakasal silang muli sa simbahan at ibibigay niya ang kasal na gusto nito kapag nakaipon na siya. Sa July 23 ay mabibigyan na ito ng katuparan dahil magkakaroon sila ng magarbong kasal na gaganapin sa Manila Cathedral. Ito raw ang napiling simbahan ni Yasmine dahil naaalala niya ang mga simbahan sa Italy, kung saan ito lumaki.

Matagal din nilang pinaghandaan ang kanilang kasal, at ang kanilang mga anak na sina Aryana Cassandra at Alexandra Milan ay excited na rin sa nalalapit na kasal. Noong Mayo ay lumipad papuntang Europe sina Alfred at Yasmine para sa kanilang prenup shooting.

Kabilang sa mga principal sponsor sina dating Secretary Mar Roxas at Vice President Leni Robredo, dating Cong. Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. at Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto, Manuel V. Pangilinan at  Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Robert L. Tan at Lolita A. Solis, Victor Jose I. Luciano at Ameurfina D. Santos, Antonio R. Vargas at Adelaida J. De Guzman, at Francis Enrico M. Gutierrez at Kris Aquino. Cord sponsors sina QC mayor Herbert Bautista at vice mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung.

Inaabangan na ng marami kung magkasabay na darating sina Kris at Herbert sa simbahan, dahil muling natsi-tsismis na nagkabalikan na sila at nagkikita nang patago.

Bagamat abala si Alfred sa kayang gawain bilang isang kongresista, hindi pa rin niya tinatalikuran ang kanyang pagiging aktor. Ang kanyang pelikulang “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa” ay kalahok sa Cinemalaya 2017 na itatanghal sa susunod na buwan.  Huli siyang napanood sa TV sa taong ito sa “Encantadia” at “Tadhana” ng GMA Network.

Covers the period July 16-31

TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Sa trabaho, matapang ka nang harapin ang mga problema at marami ka na ring mapapatunayan. Kung maiimbita sa kasalan, huwag tumangging dumalo dahil may makikilala kang bagong kaibigan. Ugaliing mag-exercise at bawasan ang pagkain upang gumanda ang kalusugan. Bantayan ang araw-araw na gastusin, kailangan ng ibayong pagtitipid upang makaipon ka. Lucky numbers:8, 15, 24 at 37.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Huwag magpaniwala sa mga kuwento para lang ma-impluwensyahan ka o magamit. Bago tumulong o magpautang, pag-isipang mabuti ito. Maiinis ka sa sunod-sunod na aberya, pero kontrolin ang sarili. May hindi pagkakasunduan kayo ng matalik na kaibigan dahil sa magkaiba ninyong opinyon. Makakaranas ng pamamaga ng gilagid, kumunsulta agad sa dentista. Lucky numbers: 16, 18, 23 at 45.
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BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Mas makabubuting maging tapat sa sarili at huwag hayaang magamit ng ilang malalapit sa iyo sa pansarili nilang kapakanan. Mga kaibigan at bagong mga ideya ang magpapasigla sa isip at kilos, pero iwasan muna ang ambisyosong proyekto at delikadong bagay. Bibigyan mo ng pansin ang panlabas na anyo at pag-aayos sa sarili at lalakas din ang panghalina kaya magiging maganda ang inaasam na pagtatagpo. Lucky numbers: 9, 13, 27 at 40.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Huwag matigas ang ulo, tanggapin ang payo ng pamilya dahil para sa ikabubuti mo rin ito. Sa trabaho, ipagpaliban muna ang bagong gagawin dahil hindi magiging maganda ang resulta nito. Marami kang katanungan sa sarili tungkol sa buhay, kamatayan at ibang bagay na hindi mo maintundihan. Subukan mong tumuklas ng mga bagong bagay at magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman. Marami kang matutunan mula sa isang bagong kaibigan na matalino. Lucky numbers: 17, 22, 33 at 41.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Kulang ka sa tiyaga at sipag ngayon at gusto mo nang iwanan ang hindi pa natatapos na trabaho. Dahil kulang sa praktikal na pamamaraan, punum-puno ka ng tensyon at kumplikasyon. Iwasang mapagod sa trabaho. Ilan sa pamilya mo ay naiinis sa pagiging mahigpit at pakikialam mo, at sa pagbibigay mo ng payo kahit hindi ito hinihingi. Lucky numbers: 15, 21, 39 at 40.
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TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Abala ka sa trabaho kaya nawawalan ka ng oras para sa sarili, kailangan mong makipagtulungan upang magawa ang lahat sa maayos na paraan. Magigising ang kamalayan at bigla kang mai-in love. Sa tahanan ay mas magiging makuwento ka kaya masaya ang pamilya. Pagkabalisa at nerbiyos ang mararanasan. Upang labanan ito, uminom ng vitamin B at kumain ng karne gaya ng lamb at beef kidneys, pinatuyong gulay, at whole wheat bread. Lucky numbers: 11, 18, 37 at 46.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Kailangan mong kontrolin ang dila dahil nagiging masyado kang madaldal. Hindi rin mapigilan ang pagtaba dahil magana kang kumain. Sari-saring bagay na nagpapa-irita sa iyo ang magiging dahilan ng mga away at sakit ng loob sa iyong love life. Pag-aalinlangan at lungkot ang mararanasan. Sundin ang payo ng pamilya, lalo na kung tungkol ito sa pera. Lucky numbers: 5, 19, 26 at 38.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Sa wakas ay mapapansin din at gagantimpalaan ang iyong pinaghirapan. Magkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaintindihan sa mga kaibigan at maging sa karelasyon; pakiramdam mo ay nakikipag-usap ka sa bingi dahil hindi ka pinapansin, at hindi mo ito kayang palampasin. Iwasang gumastos sa mga bagay na hindi kasama sa budget. Posibleng sumpungin ng rayuma at sakit sa bato. Iwasan ang alak at maaanghang na pagkain. Lucky number: 12, 13, 19 at 45.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Tahimik at panatag ang kalooban sa panahong ito. Gawing prayoridad ang pag-iimpok ngayon upang maiwasan ang sakit ng ulo tuwing katapusan ng buwan. Huwag magmukmok sa taguan, lumabas at makisalamuha sa mga tao upang gumanda ang takbo ng isip at may magbukas na ibang oportunidad sa iyo. Bigyan din ng seryosong pag-aalaga ang mga anak, kausapin sila at damayan sa mga pinagdaraanan upang tumibay ang pagsasama. Lucky numbers: 14, 21, 28 at 36.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Ngayo ay huwag mag-atubiling sumubok at sumugal dahil magiging maswerte ka, at madagdagan ang kita. Mag-ingat sa pagiging masyadong sensitibo dahil nagiging bayolente ka. Mae-enjoy mo ng husto ang mga bagong karanasan na kasama ng iyong sister soul. Bantayan ang labis na gastusin, lalo na kung hindi na ito kaya ng bulsa. Lucky numbers: 18, 25, 29 at 31.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Kaunti na lang at matatapos na rin ang matagal mo nang pinaghirapan, at makikita mo na ang bunga ng matagal nang pinangarap. Ang pinakamahirap na problema sa pamilya ay matatapos na rin. Ang mga nangyayari ngayon ay depende sa takbo ng iyong isip at kung paano mo ia-akma ang sarili. Magiging maingat ka na ngayon; matuto sa naging karanasan, lalo na tungkol sa pera. Lucky numbers: 14, 28, 32 at 40.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Mag-ingat at umiwas sa mga delikadong usapin gaya ng relihiyon o pulitika upang hindi ka mapaaway. Tamang panahon upang humingi ng umento o pagtaas ng posisyon. Maganda ang lagay ng kalusugan, lalo kung mapapanatili ang tamang pagkain at sigla ng katawan. Ang pagbabago ng anyo ay makakatulong na tumaas ang kumpiyansa sarili. Huwag tipirin ang gastos sa operasyon dahil maganda ang magiging kapalit nito. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 19 at 43.

Stranded Pinay cries out for help

A Filipina domestic worker who was set to return to Hong Kong to take up a new job is seeking help after the employment agency who placed her told her that her employer had backed out just three days after her work visa was issued.

E.C. told The SUN that she paid Blessings Forever Employment Agency $8,000 for securing a new employer for her after she was terminated from her previous employment three months ago.

On June 6, Blessings reportedly sent E.C. a photocopy of her purported visa. But on June 9, just as the Filipina was preparing for her return to Hong Kong, the agency informed her that her employer, Liu Kwok Yan, had backed out. No reason was given.

E.C. did not know that about a month earlier, or on May 15, Blessings owner, Alice Tang was fined $4,000 by a court for operating the business without a licence.

But when a cousin checked E.C.’s records with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, it was revealed that Blessings had asked another agency with proper documentation, to “chop” the work contract.

E.C., who had looking forward to go back to work in Hong Kong, wants to find out how she could run after either her supposed employer, or the agency which should have already shut down after being fined for illegal operation.

She was told that she may not have any reason to go after the employer, who may have also paid the agency. However, she could file a complaint against Blessings with the Employment Agencies Administration, and hopefully recover the money she paid for her aborted placement.

E.C. now plans to return to Hong Kong to file a complaint. She says she hopes to convince Immigration to let her stay awhile so she could pursue her case, and maybe find another employer. - DCLM

Nakawan sa volleyball court

Ni Marites Palma

Tinangay ng magnanakaw ang bag ni K C Tambo na may lamang $10,000 cash noong June 11 sa kasagsagan ng kanilang paglalaro ng volleyball sa Fu Hai Park Volleyball Court, Quarry Bay.

 Sa tulong ng mga pulis ay natagpuan ang bag ni Tambo na ninakaw, ngunit wala na ang perang laman nito.

Pinag-iingat ng pulis ang lahat ng mga manlalaro na bantayan ang kanilang mga gamit sa court, lalo na iyong may mahahalagang laman dahil pang-apat na diumano ang nakawang naganap sa parehong lugar.

Kahit kasi may mga nakatalagang magbantay ng mga gamit ay naiisahan pa rin sila dahil masyado diumanong mabibilis ang kamay ng mga magnanakaw doon.

Ayon sa organizer ng mga palaro, lagi naman nilang pinaaalahanan ang mga manlalaro na huwag na huwag magdadala ng malaking halaga ng pera o mga mamahaling gamit, pero patuloy pa rin silang sinusuway.  Ayon naman sa isang manlalaro, parang ninja sa bilis ang magnanakaw.

Maari din daw na kasamahan nila ang nagnanakaw dahil madalas na sila-sila lang din ang magkakasama, bagamat wala naman daw silang suspect pa sa ngayon.

OFWs hit move to make employers pay for iDOLE

By Daisy CL Mandap

Thinning OEC crowd at POLO.

Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong have reacted strongly against the Philippine government’s announcement that their employers will have to pay for the new OFW ID called iDOLE, which was launched in Malacanang on July 12.

“The processing of the i-DOLE would be shouldered by the employers; hence, OFWs need not pay for the cost of the ID, which would be delivered by PhilPost to their respective addresses,” said Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella in a statement.

The announcement was immediately criticized by Eman Villanueva of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body who said in a Facebook post that this was contrary to assurances from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that the ID would be given away free to OFWs.

“Ang sabi ni Sec Silvestre Bello III ay “LIBRE” ang OFW ID (iDOLE). Tapos, ngayon sasabihing ‘employers ang magbabayad’? Ano ito, joke lang?,” an irate Villanueva said.

He and another AMCB officer, Dolores Balladares, met Secretary Bello during his visit to Hong Kong in May, and he assured them that the iDOLE, which was meant to replace the much-maligned overseas employment certificate, would be free of charge.

Bello repeated the assurance when he held a media briefing on July 4 to announce the impending launch of the OFW ID. He said the ID will be given free to all OFWs.

“All we need is iyong inventory if all the bonafide OFWs on the basis of which our POEA, in conjunction with Department of Labor, will start processing the IDs,” he said.

Villanueva said making employers pay for the ID was just another ploy by the government to make money off its overseas workers, and must be resisted.

At the Malacanang launch, the Department of Labor and Employment said it initially printed 200 cards, which it called as the OFWs’ exit pass from the country.

The government will be printing at least four million IDs to cover both active and inactive OFWs.

Secretary Bello said inactive OFWs just need to submit an old record of employment abroad in applying for i-DOLE.

“We have to prepare at least four million ID cards to cover even those not working abroad anymore because when you become an OFW, you become an OFW permanently,” Bello explained.

This means OFWs will no be required to get an OEC at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) upon entering or exiting the country. The i-DOLE will now serve as their permanent pass.

Previously, overseas workers had to present an OEC exemption certificate at Philippine airports so they would be allowed to return to their jobs abroad. This document also served as their proof of exemption from travel tax or the airport terminal fee.

OFWs were mostly critical of the OEC which forced them to endure long lines and wait for hours at labor offices abroad every time they went home for a vacation.

Bello earlier said these inconveniences experienced by OFWs when getting OEC will now be “things of the past.”

“They (OFWs) won’t have to go to the POEA every time to get their OEC. All they have to do is show their iDOLE and that will serve as their license to go abroad and go back anytime they want to,” he said.

The ID system for overseas workers, which was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte last February, also features access to the holder’s records with government agencies such as the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG.

Bello said the DOLE would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)  through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to see if the i-DOLE could later on serve as passports to OFWs.

“Given another six months, we are trying to adopt a system that this i-DOLE can serve as their passport. We will talk with the DFA and of course the DOJ, through the Bureau of Immigration, so that the i-DOLE could be used as a passport,” Bello told reporters in a briefing on July 4. – with reports from Manila

Filipino workers in Macau step up campaign against offloading

Protesters say Immigration officers in Manila do not honor the affidavit of support issued by the Consulate in Macau

Migrant workers in Macau have stepped up a campaign against the offloading of their family members leaving the Philippines by launching a petition campaign against the practice on July 2.

Migrante Macau chair and protest organizer Emer de Lina said the practice carried out by Bureau of Immigration officials in Manila is discriminatory and insulting.

“It is discriminatory because this only happens to OFWs’ relatives, as well as other ordinary Filipinos, not bigwig politicians or their…wives.  It is insulting, because the Bureau of Immigration officials in Manila assume that the offloaded migrant Filipinos are illegally leaving the country, when they merely want to visit us.” De Lina said in a press statement.

She complained that those who are prevented from taking their flights to Macau are left with no recourse because there is no complaint mechanism for those offloaded, much less an investigation.

“If the passenger was treated wrongly, what can be done to resolve the problem? How long will it take for it to be resolved? And what can be done so that it will not happen again? Our relatives are guilty until proven innocent,” she said.

The offloading has reportedly led to dire consequences for the migrant workers, as they end up losing not just sleep over the failure of visiting family members to board their flights, but also a substantial sum.

De Lina said the workers usually buy promotional air fares which are non-refundable so if their relatives are turned away at the airports, they end up buying tickets for them again.

Workers also pay for the authenticated affidavit of support from the Consulate at more than MOP200 each, as the document purports to show that they will be taking care of their relatives’ financial needs while in Macau.

“However, this is disregarded by BI officials. In addition, there are allegations that these officials solicit bribes from our held-up relatives so that they will be able to leave,” De Lina said.

Signature campaign is ongoing

The protesters are urging an immediate end to the offloading at all international airports in the Philippines, and for the Bureau of Immigration to duly recognize the affidavits of support issued by the country’s consulates and embassies abroad.

They are also calling for the said affidavit to be issued free of charge as an “added recognition of the invaluable contribution made by migrant Filipinos to our country.”

Further, they asked that the “corrupt officials” involved in the offloading of passengers be investigated and prosecuted.

The protesters revived their longstanding campaign against offloading after Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano promised at a community dialogue in Hong Kong on July 2 that he would raise the issue with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II upon his return to Manila. – www.sunwebhk.com

Anak nina Vic at Pauleen, babae

Baby girl ang magiging panganay nina Vic Sotto at Pauleen Luna.

Nagkatuwaan ang mga Dabarkads sa backstage ng Eat Bulaga noong June 24 at nagkanya-kanya ng hula at pustahan kung ano ang kasarian ng magiging panganay nina Vic Sotto at Pauleen Luna.  Team Jessica, kung ang hula ay babae, at team LeBron kung lalaki ang hula. Nagkaroon ng kasagutan ito sa pagkagat nina Vic at Pauleen ng lollicakes, at tumambad ang kulay pink na laman nito, kaya panalo ang team Jessica.

Nilinaw naman ni Pauleen na hindi Jessica ang ipapangalan nila sa kanilang baby, at katuwaan lang daw nila na tatawagin itong Jessica Sotto (katunog ng pangalan ni Jessica Soho, ang sikat na mamamahayag ng GMA Network) o LeBron, na pangalan naman ng sikat na NBA basketball player. Sa ngayon ay wala pa raw silang napipiling pangalan para sa baby.

Gusto raw sana ni Vic na lalaki ang panganay nila, pero para kay Pauleen, hindi mahalaga ang kasarian ng magiging baby nila, basta malusog daw ito. Apat na buwan na ang tiyan ni Pauleen, at hindi raw siya nahihirapan sa kanyang pagbubuntis. Marami nga ang nakakapuna na blooming daw siya ngayon at walang ka-sumpong-sumpong, kaya marami ang humulang babae ang magiging anak niya.

Ang anak nila ni Pauleen ay panlima sa mga anak ni Vic. Ang iba pa niyang anak ay sina Danica at Oyo, na anak niya sa unang asawa niyang si Dina Bonnevie; Paulina, na anak niya kay Angela Luz; at Vico, na anak naman niya kay Connie Reyes. Ikinasal sila noong January 30, 2016.

AI AI, IKAKASAL SA DISYEMBRE 
Noong una ay urong –sulong si AiAi delas Alas na magpakasal sa kanyang boyfriend na si Gerald Sibayan, pero nang payuhan siya ng kaibigang pari na magpakasal na dahil matagal na rin silang nagsasama ng binata ay agad silang kumilos.

Kamakailan ay napabalitang namanhikan na ang pamilya ni Gerald, at sa mga larawang inilabas ay may-kasama pang abogado ang bawat panig, at tila may mga dokumentong nilagdaan, na palagay ng marami ay pre-nuptial agreement.

Balitang sa December 12 gaganapin ang kasal, at kabilang sa mga ninong at ninang sina Cong. Vilma Santos at asawa nitong si Sen. Ralph Recto. Usap-usapan din na sagot ni Marian Rivera, na malapit na kaibigan ni AiAi, ang isusuot niyang bridal gown na nagkakahalaga raw ng kalahating milyon, at pati na rin ang mga bulaklak.

Ito ang pangatlong beses na pagpapakasal ni AiAi. Nauna siyang nagpakasal sa singer na si Miguel Vera, pero idineklara ito na walang bisa ito dahil may nauna palang pinakasalan si Miguel. Nagkaroon sila ng dalawang anak, sina Sean Nicolo at Sofia, na ngayon ay naninirahan na sa Amerika, sa bahay na ipinundar ni AiAi. May isa pang anak ang aktres, si Sancho Vito, na isa na ring aktor, at kasama niya sa bahay. Noong 2013 ay muli siyang nagpakasal sa Las Vegas kanyang Fil Am boyfriend na si Jed Salang, na mas bata sa kanya ng 20 years, pero naghiwalay agad sila pagkatapos lang ng isang buwan, at nauwi sa divorce.

RICHARD AT SARAH, NAKA 5 YEARS NA
Sinorpresa ni Richard Gutierrez ang kanyang live-in partner na si Sarah Lahbati nang dumating ito na may dalang bulaklak sa premiere night ng pelikulang “Ang Pagsanib kay Leah dela Cruz” na tinatampukan ni Sarah. Hindi daw inasahan ni Sarah na darating ito dahil ang alam niya ay manonood ang buong pamilya Gutierrez sa bahay nila sa White Plains ng pilot episode ng “La Luna Sangre”, ang unang project ni Richard bilang isang Kapamilya.

Suot ng gabing iyon ni Sarah ang kanyang diamond and sapphire promise ring na bigay sa kanya ni Richard, kaya tinukso siya na baka kasunod na nito ang engagement ring at kasal. Hindi naman marahil malayo ito dahil apat na taon na ang kanilang anak na si Zion, at nananatiling very sweet pa rin sila sa isa’t isa.

CHARO AT LAV, MAY BAGONG PELIKULA
May bagong pelikula inihahanda sina Charo Santos at filmmaker Lav Diaz, kasunod ng award-winning film nilang “Ang Babaeng Humayo” na nanalo ng Golden Lion award sa Venice Film Festival noong nakaraang taon sa Italy.

Sisimulan na raw ang shooting ng bagong pelikulang “Ang Saka ni Henrico (Henrico’s Farm)” sa Agosto. Ito ay tungkol sa buhay ng mga domestic helper na nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa. Sa Singapore ang magiging setting ng pelikula, at gagampanan ni Charo ang papel bilang isang OFW.

Isasali ang pelikula sa Singapore International Festival of Arts, kung saan ay naimbitahang sumali si Diaz, na isang Radcliffe fellow sa Harvard.

VICKI AT HAYDEN, KASAL NA
Ikinasal sina Dr. Vicki Belo at Hayden Kho sa isang simpleng civil wedding na ginanap sa bahay ni Vicki sa Makati City noong June 21. Ang nagkasal sa kanila ay si Makati Mayor Abby Binay.

Pitong tao lang daw ang nakasaksi sa naturang okasyon, kabilang na ang kanilang anak na si Scarlet Snow, pero wala ang kani-kanilang pamilya at ibang malalapit sa kanila. Nalaman lang ito ng publiko nang ipinost ng dalawa sa Instagram ang ilang larawan at saloobin.

Ani Vicki: “I was afraid that I would feel like I would lose my freedom by getting married. Instead I feel joyful and free.”

Ang anak ni Vicki na si Quark Henares ay naglabas ng hinanakit sa Facebook: “Dear people with children: If you ever get married again be sure to give the kids a heads up, lest they find out via reporters calling them in the middle of the night.” Si Quark at kapatid nitong si Cristalle ay anak ni Vickie sa unang asawa niyang si Atom Henares.

Pero tuloy pa rin daw ang grand wedding nila na gaganapin sa Paris sa September. Nauna na nilang pinadalhan ng secret messages bilang imbitasyon ang malalapit na tao sa kanila, na ang nakasaad:  “This is Scarlet Snow Belo and I would like to invite you to be present when my parents, Daddy Hayden and Mommy Vicki, get married in our favorite city, Paris.”

KALAHOK SA CINEMALAYA 2017
Sampung pelikula ang napiling finalists mula sa 174 kalahok sa main stream movies ang itatanghal sa 13th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival sa taong ito. Para sa short film category, 12 ang napiling kalahok para din sa naturang festival Aug 3 -14 sa Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) at Ayala cinemas.

Ang mga finalists (Full-length movies):
1)  “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” – Mes De Guzman, director, starring Sharon Cuneta;
2) “Ang Guro Kong Hindi Di Marunong Magbasa” – ni Perry Escano, starring Alfred Vargas, Mon Confiado, James Blanco, Miggs Cuaderno, Micko Laurente;
3) “Baconaua” ni Joseph Israel Laban; starring Elora Espano, Teri Malvar, JM Salvador, Bembol Roco;
4) “Bagahe” ni Zig Dulay, starring Angeli Bayani;
5) “Nabubulok” ni Sonny Calvento; starring Gina Alajar, JC Santos, Billy Ray Galleon
6) “Pacboy” (Kiko Boksing-ero) ni Thop Nazareno;
7) “Requited” ni Nerissa Picadizo; starring Jake Cuenca, Anna Luna
8) “Respeto” ni Treb Mon-teras II; starring Loonie, Abra
9) “Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang Kuliglig” ni Iar Lionel at Benjamin Arondaing, starring Ruby Moreno, Alex Medina, Karl Medina
10) “Unang Patak ng Ulan ng Mayo” ni Cenon Obispo Palomares
Ang kalahok sa Short Film:
1) Aliens Ata  - Karl Glenn Barit
2)  Juana and the Sacred Shores - Antonne Santiago
3) Lola Leleng - Jean Cheryl Tagyamon                                                          
4) Fatima Marie Torres and the Invasion of Space Shuttle Pinas 25 - Carlo Francisco Manatad ;           5) Bawod (Bent) - Terimar Malones                                                                              
6) Nakaw -  Arvin Belarmino                                                                                          
7) Sorry for the Inconvenience - Carl Adrian Chavez                                        
8) Hilom - Paul Patindol
9) Manong ng Pa-aling - E. del Mundo                                                                  
10) Maria -  Jaime Mabac Jr                                                                                            
11) Nakauwi Na -  Marvin Cabagunay                                                                            
12) Islabodan - Juan Carlo Tarobal

Joy sets sight on singing to bigger audience

By Daisy CL Mandap

She finds the ultimate joy in singing, and hopes to share this obsession with more people, perhaps on a bigger scale.

It is a dream that does not seem impossible for Joy Carbonell, a 39-year-old domestic worker in Hong Kong who has been getting accolades lately for her amazingly powerful voice.

At a recent Philippine Independence Day ball hosted by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, for example, Joy who sang dressed casually in jeans and shirt, left the audience in awe because of her sheer talent.

The former public school teacher who came to Hong Kong from her hometown of Nueva Ecija 10 years ago, says she has always loved singing.

“From age nine, I would sing everyday, Iyon na yung pinaka-laro ko,” she says.

She indulged this passion by joining local singing contests, but did not think of it as a future career. Instead, she continued with her studies, and eventually obtained a degree in education from the Central Luzon State University. She went on to teach in a public elementary school, but continued singing with the school choir.

In 2007, Joy came to Hong Kong for what she says were “personal reasons”. She initially worked as a nanny for her sister, but decided to stay when her sister moved to the United States.

She says she is lucky because her employers have been very supportive of her singing. With the ample free time she is given, she gets to hone her skill by joining singing contests and being part of “Unsung Heroes,” a choir in Discovery Bay made up of foreign domestic workers.

“Sa Pilipinas mas kaunti ang oras ko para sa pagkanta kasi maraming trabaho,” she says.

Her happiness at being able to spend more time on her passion is the only reason she has not gone back home to teach, says Joy.

“Kung hindi ko lang nae-enjoy ang buhay ko dito, babalik ako sa Pilipinas para magturo,” she says.

A few years back, Joy joined a major singing contest organized by financing company Prime Credit where she ended up in second place. A judge in that contest disclosed at a public event recently that the only reason Joy failed to take the top slot was because she did not come across as a total package, meaning, looks and all.

Joy wryly admits that she must have looked “baduy” or a “manang” (old-fashioned) then, as she was just new in Hong Kong. Or it could also be because she needed to practice her singing a bit more as it had been awhile since she last joined a contest.

But she was happy enough to have landed in second place, and that the experience opened the door to her being invited to sing at various Filipino community events.

It was while singing at one of these events that an American teacher took notice of Joy’s unusual talent, and offered her free singing lessons.

“Malaki ang naitulong nito sa akin, lalo na sa diction at sa technique,” Joy acknowledges.

Her being part of “Unsung Heroes,” which is coached for free by Jane Engelmann, a performing arts coordinator at Peak School, also helped.

In time, Joy, who is openly gay, also found that she felt more comfortable performing in jeans and boots.

“But I don’t have any problem wearing a gown or a dress, in makeup and high heels, if I need them to interpret the song,” she says. “Costume lang naman ang mga iyan”.

With her newfound confidence and additional training, Joy went back to join Prime’s singing contest, and won resoundingly.

In the wake of this victory, Joy was also given the chance to record her first album, which had its big launch at Edinburgh Place, Central on June 18, and is now available for viewing on youtube and digital music service, spotify.

Joy looks at these recent events as the crowning glory in her singing career, but is not about to stop aspiring for even bigger things. She now plans to join an international singing contest like WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) held annually in Los Angeles, California where she hopes to add another feather to her cap.

Then there is also the hope that one day, finally, she can transition from being a foreign domestic worker to a professional singer. With all the bright things coming her way now, achieving that dream may not be far behind.